Laithwaites buys third Bordeaux vineyard

Laithwaites Wine, has bought its third vineyard, Chateau du Bois, near Castillon in Bordeaux, France.

Winemaker, Henry Laithwaite, will take charge of the property working alongside Laithwaites Wine director, Justin Howard-Sneyd MW, on a development plan.

The family views the vineyard as a "landmark moment" for the business that began life as a company called 'Bordeaux Direct' founded by Tony Laithwaite, selling wines from Cotes de Castillon directly to the UK.

Henry Laithwaite, says: "This is a really great moment for both the business and me.

"As a business, in order to offer great wine, it helps enormously if you're making it as you understand everything that other producers go through, including thecare and attention that they lavish on their vines.

"It gives us a level of understanding that allows us to work closely with our producers and growersworldwide and select the very best grapes and wines for our customers."

He adds: "There's so much potential here and with the right care and attention, there's no reason why this vineyard can't produce wine to rival its famous neighbours in St Emilion and Pomerol."

The new property comprises of extensive buildings and approximately 25 hectares of AOP Castillon vines.

The vineyard joins a portfolio of properties that include the family's first vineyard, Chateau La Clariere and Henry Laithwaite's Chateau Verniotte.

Chateau du Bois is located just minutes away from Laithwaites' picturesque and newly-restored winery Le Chai au Quai, home to the company's wine-making team, headed up by Jean Marc Sauboua.